Meet your new inspiration. She’s an 8th grader, sharp as a tack, and her insightful commentary on the outdated nature of BMI tests has launched her into well-deserved viral acclaim.
A cartoonist named Alex Rivers shared a story on social media about this remarkable young woman, a family friend, who wrote a powerful critique of BMI testing after being labeled “obese” on a school assignment that asked her to calculate her own BMI. Alex expressed pride in this young girl, stating, “Her daughter had to complete a middle school project involving body-mass-index. As a strong athlete, her BMI was determined to be ‘obese.’ This was her response. Let’s support our children in standing up for themselves and challenging the body-image norms that can harm them.”
(Feel free to applaud now—because, YES, indeed!)
Alex also shared images of the assignment, including the two BMI-related questions and her thoughtful responses. The first question asked, “What is BMI?” To which our new role model replied, “BMI is an outdated method for assessing a person’s body health, and it should NOT be utilized in a school environment where students may already feel insecure about their bodies.”
(Please stand for this amazing girl’s wisdom!)
But she didn’t stop there. When asked to calculate her own BMI, she responded, “I’m not even going to bother opening my laptop for that. Here’s why: I’ve always been a ‘bigger girl,’ and I’m totally okay with that; I’m strong and capable. When I hold a bat or a softball, they’re considered powerful tools. Yet, I’ve struggled with negative thoughts about my body, even resorting to wearing multiple bras to hide insecurities.”
Her experiences resonate with feelings many of us, both young and old, have faced. Body image struggles and self-esteem issues are universal challenges. She continued, “So, my caring mother took me to see my doctor when she noticed I was upset. We discussed my diet and activity level, and after some tests, he reassured me that I was healthy. He mentioned that while I may be a bit overweight, he wasn’t concerned about my well-being considering my overall health. That’s why I refuse to calculate my BMI—my doctor, a trained professional, confirmed that my height and weight are just fine.”
She concluded with a powerful statement: “I’m just beginning to love my body as I should, and I won’t let an outdated calculation or a middle school gym teacher label me as obese because I’m not. My BMI is not your business; my body and BMI are perfect and beautiful just the way they are.”
Drop the mic!
This incredible teenager serves as a beacon of positivity, reminding us all that we are unique and beautiful in our own ways.
If you’re interested in more insightful content, check out some of our other posts on home insemination, including helpful resources like what to expect when you have your first IUI or explore expert guidance at BabyMaker’s home insemination kit.
In summary, this 8th grader’s bold essay challenges the validity of BMI testing, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity. Her message resonates deeply, encouraging others to embrace their individuality and reject harmful societal standards.